Don Ellis Smith joined his beloved bride, Guen Lyman Smith (Quince), on March 1, 2014, after a long, heroic battle with cancer.

He never lost his wonderful sense of humor, keen memory, or his deep appreciation for everything that was done for him.

He was born in Blanding on September 23, 1924 to Pauline Black and Joseph William Smith. As a four-year-old, he would herd cows all day after his mother walked him to the field in the morning and then returned to get him and the cows in the evening.

At age six, he broke his jaw and started first grade with his head in a cast. He was a lively youngster, full of lots of fun mischief through grade school and high school.

He graduated from San Juan High School in 1942, then attended college in Logan for one year. He had a practical education that can’t be learned in a classroom.

He volunteered for the Army Air Corps during World War II and served from 1943 until 1946, spending a year on Okinawa operating a radio range station.

After returning from the war, he married Guen in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (an only child married the baby of 15 children). They had four children: Donna, Ruth, Kim, and Ned; all but the oldest live in Blanding.

Don worked very hard at his chosen profession, plumbing, so he could play hard and have fun with his family in the many activities he enjoyed. He believed in service to country, community, church, and fellow human beings.

He will be sorely missed by his four children, 19 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

The loss of this gentle giant’s generosity, adventure, love of animals, compassion, service, words of wisdom, sense of humor, and unconditional love of family will leave a void in many lives.

Card of thanksOur heartfelt thanks to the many relatives, friends, and neighbors, along with the Hospice Team and San Juan Mortuary for all the love and support we received at this time.

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